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SEC Power Rankings Week 12: A Shake-Up from Top to Bottom

By Caleb Calhoun

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Nov 15, 2014; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Landon Collins (26) celebrates his fourth quarter interception with Xzavier Dickson (47) against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

But before thinking about the championships, Alabama needs to close out the season. Western Carolina at home is almost certainly a win, but Auburn at home is not. The Tide can’t take that game lightly if they want a shot because losing that game knocks them out of the SEC and National Championship race. But for now, at least, Alabama is back where it belongs.

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Alabama Crimson Tide 9-1 (6-1)

Last week: Defeated Mississippi State Bulldogs 25-20
Last rank: 2

And just like order is restored at the bottom of the conference, order has officially been restored at the top as well. The Alabama Crimson Tide are back on top of the SEC West, in control of their own destiny for an SEC Championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff, and right there with Florida State in being considered the Top 2 teams in the country.

In other words, Nick Saban’s dynasty at Alabama is in perfect position to add another trophy to they already full trophy case, but a few things have to happen first.

For starters, Blake Sims has to prove that he can play well away from home. Somebody needs to remind him that the SEC Championship and the College Football Playoff will not be home games if they make it to both. Also, the defense simply needs to keep playing the way it has been playing all year. If that happens, Alabama should beat everybody they play. The defense was opportunistic and came through when needed on Saturday, and it needs to do that the rest of the year.

But before thinking about the championships, Alabama needs to close out the season. Western Carolina at home is almost certainly a win, but Auburn at home is not. The Tide can’t take that game lightly if they want a shot because losing that game knocks them out of the SEC and National Championship race. But for now, at least, Alabama is back where it belongs.

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